The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh College of Nursing has announced the formation of the Elizabeth A. Regan Scholarship Endowment. The endowment was established by retired faculty member Elizabeth “Betty” Bymers Regan, who passed away on April 26, 2008.

Regan graduated from Western Reserve University and earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Regan served as an educator in the UW System for 23 years. From 1978 until her retirement in 1980, she served as both a professor and associate dean for the College of Nursing.

Regan’s distinguished career included many honors including service as past president of the Wisconsin Nurses Association, service on numerous government task forces, including one on aging and one on adolescent health, a “Distinguished Service Award” from Marquette University in 1977 and another from the UW-Extension in 1978.

With the establishment of the Elizabeth A. Regan Scholarship Endowment, Regan continues to help students. Regan’s scholarship will provide monetary assistance to UW Oshkosh nursing students from Northeast Wisconsin who exhibit financial need and are enrolled in a bachelor of science in nursing completion program or pursuing a master of science in nursing.

Regan became a nurse when opportunities for women were limited, but she never regretted the decision. “Nursing is a part of me” she said.

“Betty Regan exemplifies the vision of the College of Nursing by her lifetime of service as a caring and scholarly nurse leader,” said Rosemary Smith, dean of the College of Nursing.

Anyone wishing to make a contribution to the Elizabeth A. Regan Scholarship Endowment can mail their donation to: University of Wisconsin Oshkosh Foundation, 842 Algoma Boulevard, Oshkosh, WI 54901 and reference the scholarship name.

This article was contributed by Colleen Huseboe, advancement officer for the College of Nursing. To submit an article, click here or e-mail uwot@uwosh.edu.